Tamiya RX-7 is Rotary Goodness

I've been hanging on to an M04 chassis for a while. I want to build a slick mini with it but I can't decide what body to use on it. Tamiya has just made things even more difficult. This has to be the most detailed first generation Mazda RX7 bodies available. If you've never driven a real one do yourself a favor and try one. These little cars are so much fun. They combine go-kart like handling, a smooth buzzy rotary engine, with a pretty comfortable interior to give you an experience that you will not find in any other car. In my area people are buying these up and restoring them. I had an opportunity to get one but the lack of pistons and my previous experience with bad apex seals on an FC3S RX7 convinced me otherwise.

Tamiya Drops Another Rerelease Bug!

The Tamiya Blitzer Beetle. This was the third and final chassis for this body. It was originally the Sand Scorcher then it was used for the Monster Beetle. The Blitzer chassis was a really sweet one. Very durable and a good amount of suspension travel, two things you didn't necessarily find on a Tamiya chassis back then. I never wanted one. Back then I was all about lexan bodies because polystyrene looked awesome and cracked real good when you crashed.

Tamiya Sand Rover 2011

I think entry level cars are the most important segment of our hobby. They serve a very important purpose. They must introduce newcomers to the hobby of RC. Back in the day a friend got a Tamiya Hotshot as his first car. I never knew he had it until I traded an NES for it. It was my third or fourth car so I was experienced enough to know he was in way over his head with this one. Consequently it was his only car. Entry level cars must be simple enough to understand, robust enough to survive, and fun enough to be interesting. Tamiya hit the mark with this one.

Tamiya's New Buggy Will Attack, Fast!

I hated the Tamiya Fast Attack when I was a kid. I didn't like the friction shocks, trailing arm suspension, or the fact that the entire kit was molded in beige. Not one kid in our area had one. Now in the future those things are worth their weight in gold because they look so realistic. It still goes like crap probably. I am torn on this one; on one hand I like old RC stuff, on the other I still don't have much love for this buggy. I know with my adult skills and money I could make one of these pretty awesome. On the other the Kyosho Scorpion I bought for $25 on craigslist (don't hate) needs some attention. Look at this buggy, drool, dream, and make plans.

Tamiya Will Soon Release a Monster Pajero Rally

When I first discovered Tamiya was re-releasing the Pajero Rally I was beyond elated. That was one of the cars I wanted but went out of production before I could get it. As an adult they became quite elusive and that means pricey. Of course you know I am cheap, so I didn't get one. My excitement turned into doubt when I remembered the original used Tamiya's 7.2 hump pack battery. That battery had five cells side by side and the sixth on top forming the "hump". A modern stick pack battery won't fit in that chassis without serious modifications.

RC Can Be An Inexpensive Hobby - Part 3.

RC Can Be An Inexpensive Hobby - Part 1.
RC Can Be An Inexpensive Hobby - Part 2.

The final chapter in our look at what you can slap together for around $40 plus a few items you may have lying around.

RC Can Be An Inexpensive Hobby - Part 2.

RC Can Be An Inexpensive Hobby - Part 1.

Now for car number two. Literally. This is a vintage black plastic Traxxas Hawk. Distinguished from the white plastic Traxxas Hawk by the obvious color of the chassis. The black version had a much longer production run so that will be the version you would most likely find. This is an awesome starting point because Traxxas hasn't changed the components very much over the years. That means the parts interchange among all of their 2wd offroad vehicles is very high. That is a very important factor when choosing the right $40 truck. If it costs big bucks to repair and restore the truck it won't be a low buck project. This truck is very similar to modern Rustlers, Stampedes, and Slashes. In fact you can say this is their grandfather! This puppy came in stock condition with the addition of a 13T trinity and a Duratrax/Novak T4 esc. It did not come with a radio but it did have a servo and a receiver.

RC Can Be An Inexpensive Hobby - Part 1.

$40 doesn't go a long way any more. I've spent more than that buying tires for 1 car! What can you do in this hobby for that small amount of money and have fun? Buy alcohol. Nope. Cruise craigslist and ebay and find an old stadium truck. Stadium trucks have been around since the late 80's. When Tamiya released the Blackfoot in 1986 People realized how much fun an ordinary 2wd buggy could be with really big tires on it. The better the buggy, the better the truck. Since it's a dead simple concept and old as dirt, there are approximately 37 million stadium trucks in the world. My math may be a little off since I pulled that number out of my butt from online research. The point is they are plentiful and cheap. Years ago in AZ I showed some friends my $40 concept and bought some Traxxas/Losi hybrid with vintage Futaba electrics and an unknown motor for $45 with local pick up. This time I went to the bay and craigslist.

Tamiya's Soupped Up Dune Buggy

Tamiya is doing a superb job at being Tamiya. What do I mean? Kyosho doesn't sell mechanically stunning RC models any more. Traxxas went from "American racing icon to challenge Associated and Losi" to RTR's at Pep Boys. Losi went from a family of racers to cheap RTR's. I can't continue, it's too depressing. You get the idea. So meanwhile Tamiya is still producing charming, good looking, durable, and fun kits. That's why when you see my Tahoe you know it's mine by the big Tamiya decal on it. For those of you that feel like I do about RC, kits, and Tamiya take a look at what they are giving us this summer. It even comes with a driver figure! With no official press release I had to dig up these old crappy, watermark-removed-with-mspaint images. While preparing for publication I noticed the screws in the shocks. I really hope these are CVA's and not yellow friction shocks. "Coil spring damped" means friction shocks in Tamiya =(.

hpi 5t onboard vid

1/5th scale is pretty cool looking. On board video is awesome. That means this video is awesome cool looking!

Team Losi Makes a Giant Dune Buggy

I like the Kyosho Ultima DB. I think it's really cool looking. Apparently someone at Losi felt the same way and decided it needed some competition. Now is the time for us to be vocal and ask the manufacturers to offer more bodies and maybe this will become a class! Instead of a modified class, an open class of these would look awesome. I have always felt RC racing suffers because as a spectator sport it sucks. Many competitors half-assed their paint jobs, 8-12 cars on track means you spend most of the time looking at the same few cars banging in to each other or worse nothing at all. A field of these would at least keep you on your toes with the potential for tire to tire contact. look at these pics and think about getting a big buggy.

Finally, a realistic-looking RC off-road buggy. And not only does it look the part, but it performs like it too. The XXX-SCB is based off the reputable XXX-platform, so you know right away you’re getting a star performer. This buggy also comes ready-to-run with detailed components from bumper to bumper, including a drivers figure and roll-cage, window nets, nerf bars, a Losi radio system with Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM technology, a 2S LiPo-compatible ESC, aluminum oil-filled shocks and much more.

Features:

• Detailed driver figure and cockpit
• Aluminum, adjustable oil-filled, coil-over shocks
• LiPo-compatible ESC
• LM-32K performance motor
• Spektrum SR300 receiver with 2.4GHz DSM technology
• 3-gear transmission with sealable differential
• Adjustable slipper clutch
• Digital steering servo
• Durable, composite-molded XXX-chassis
• Losi exclusive Eclipse SCT treads on XXX-SCT Wheels
• Off-road beadlock-style wheels as used on the XXX-SCT
• 3-piece Lexan full-scale inspired desert buggy body
• Realistic off-road bumpers and roll cage
• Captured hinge pins

Product Specifications:
Type: Short Course Buggy
Scale: 1/10
Length: 20.078 in (510mm)
Width: 11.42 in (290mm)
Height: 7.24 in (184mm)
Wheelbase: 12.95 in (329mm)
Weight: 4.25 lb (1.92 kg)
Motor or Engine: Losi LM-32K performance motor
Speed Control: LiPo-compatible ESC
Radio: Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM Losi radio system
Shock Type: Coil-over, oil-filled
Ball Bearings: Complete

Tamiya MP4/6 Retro F1 Beauty

Everybody loves Ayrton Senna. I didn't. I was a huge Alain Prost fan. Senna and Prost defined the term epic with their battles. Prost was the master technician while Senna was the visionary that could see and walk the fine line between death and glory. I was originally a Mclaren Honda fan. I was turned off to Senna's style when I saw him in too many incidents. I didn't know much about racing but Senna looked dangerous out there while Prost seemed always in control. Here's a few more reasons why I liked Prost better. This car is a new release from Tamiya. You are all aware of Tamiya's self imposed ban on tobacco advertising. that means you will need to seek out a third party decal maker to have correct livery. You may also notice the photo below isn't of the actual kit. There are no press photos yet so I used a pic of the old one and some pics of the real car. Now enjoy this blast from the F1 past.

PS If they start revolting in Australia I am going to be all kinds of pissed.

The McLaren MP4/6 was the first McLaren to be powered by Honda's V12 engine which was controlled by the H-pattern manual gearbox. The 1991 F1 season saw team driver Aryton Senna win the season's first four races including the Brazilian GP. The MP4/6 went on to earn McLaren their fourth straight constructors' championship and also saw Senna claim his third and last drivers' championship.

Specs and Features:

• 1/10 R/C assembly kit model of the 1991 McLaren MP4/6
• Length: 413mm, Width: 200mm, Height: 98mm.
• The F104W chassis features a longitudinal battery layout .
• The F104W chassis incorporates F103 front arms to mimic the wider dimensions of earlier F1 machines.
• Durable polycarbonate body
• Transmission: RWD-2WD, Direct Drive, Solid Axle
• Ball bearings included for rear axle, with bushings in the front
• Friction rear damper with coil spring
• Front king-pin coil spring independent suspension
• Foam tires
• Spur gear with built in ball differential
• Friction pads for chassis roll adjustment
• A resin bumper is equipped under the front wing to protect against shocks and crashes.

Tamiya Has Re-released The Stadium Blitzer

Ok so a few days ago I mistakenly posted that Tamiya was going to re-re the Stadium Blitzer on a new chassis. I was wrong! They are dropping this puppy intact! Same chassis as 1992! The 90's were my late teens and early 20's. that was my heyday. With 09/11/2001 changing the world it almost seems like the 90's were a lifetime ago. These re-releases bring me right back to when we were carefree and not tied to our pocket computers (cellphones). We bought and built what we wanted and not what the group mind of the forum says to get. I did not buy a Stadium Blitzer when it was out because my Ultima truck conversion was a finely honed weapon by then. I did respect the out of the box performance that it had. Previous Tamiya trucks needed to be tweaked to do what that Blitzer did stock. Considering I am hemorrhaging money right now I can't plan a purchase. Heck I still don't know what kit I am buying myself for Christmas/Birthday (my birthday is exactly a week before Christmas). This, however, is moving right up the list. Now if only someone can rere a Futaba FXT conversion kit for this...

RC Stadium Blitzer 2010 Item #58482 MSRP: $216.00

This is the re-release of the 2WD truck Stadium Blitzer which was first released in 1992.
Specs & Features:

• 1/10 R/C assembly model kit.
• The basic layout of the original Stadium Blitzer remains the same and comes equipped with the same popular body.
• 4-Wheel independent double wishbone suspension and CVA oil dampers offer plenty of suspension stroke.
• The low center of gravity ABS resin bathtub chassis has a rear mounted motor.-Sealed diff gears included.
• The polycarbonate body reproduces the form of stadium racer-like trucks and comes in the same livery and coloring as the 1992 released original.
• 13T and 15T pinion gears included.

Kawada M300GT

I have been into 1/12 scale pan cars lately. Not so into them that I started building them but curious. They're inexpensive and the Asian RC scene races them with rubber tires and 210mm mini bodies. I have a weird attraction to rubber tire pan car racing. I think the rubber tires can be used to bridge the gap between touring and pan cars. Add 380 closed endbell motors and we have simple little cars that can be tuned and raced. I guess I will have to buy one of these or an old Tamiya F103GT to experiment with the pan car rubber tire mix. I've read on the interweb that combination isn't that great compared to foamies but I want to compare it to full suspension cars. Anyhoot here's Kawada's take on the rubber tire 1/12 scale pan car.

In 2010 GT Super topics that new car from Honda HSV-010 GT race as early as the series M300GT!

NAKAJIMA racing model "EPSON HSV-010 GT" reproduce.

HSV-010 GT M300GT! Vehicle cornering machine aimed at the ultimate driving the HSV-010 GT M300GT reproduce please!

M-313H M300GT EPSON HSV-010 M300GT EPSON HSV-010

Standard Retail Price \ 22,000 (tax excluded)

Twelve Naru as the most popular introductory machine never had M300SX 1-based chassis / body combination of 12 real scale, [the merit of driving the height of the Guide and a sense of scale brought merging]. So good and maintain a simple mechanical structure, reducing running costs. In the body if the scale is also a great, great machines Wanmeikuresu fun. M300GT is the one everyone will enjoy the casual beginner to expert.

The M300GT recommend it to this!

Introduction to machine as the other major common M300! -

Introduction to machine easy to handle because the base M300SX! 1 / full marks even if you're feeling weak scale are likely familiar with the unique body kit comes with 12 GT racing car body.

Riyakabonriyashafuto other major parts of carbon contamination and the competition model Roasasuamu M300RSX M300GT 1, so common in earnest and try to / main part can be diverted even when immersed in racing.

1/10 touring tired towards simple is best! -

Maintenance setting is easy because a simple structure.

The 1/12 amazingly easy to maintain less damage when it crashed less number of parts are lighter than 10 touring! Hang running costs.

1/10 7.2V was used in the touring car category allows a smooth shift can be used as battery packs and servos straight regular-sized. Be run on a foam tire / rubber tires because unlike the 12 racing, you can start to feel the initial investment required and no tire setter.

Because it is an ideal second car easily.

Can be relaxed race be run from an unusual feel. The scale is a scale body, great fun to watch the galleries.

M300GT can be such a thing!

Body can be mounted on the market for a mini! Same wheelbase - 210mm ~ Mini

Minishashi 210mm wheelbase is the same as for the Mini can be mounted directly on the market since the body. 1 / 12 M300GT 1 of the scale / 10 scale Minishashi turn into!

Foam tires can be installed! - Even for a mini / 12 racing tires! -

The kit supplied wheels for rubber tire mini still be used if on the side of the wheel rim cutter (has been designed to be easily cut.) Tire will be a sponge. It can be mounted foam tires for the mini.

The wheels are 1 / 1 with large wheels so as φ38mm Racing 12 / sponge can be used for racing tires 12! Also makes available a variety of road conditions.

In a few replacement parts, such as M300 Rear Hub and knuckle allows for mounting wheels.

Can gain more than just a 6-cell! Low - can speed up! -

The battery holder can be adjusted to three wide! 5 cells to be released at a later date, we can now be equipped with four Serusutoretopakkubatteri.

And low - you can speed up equal conditions for Wanmeikuresu!

Technical Data:

Width: F/160mm R/164mm

Tread: F/135.6mm R/134mm

Wheelbase: 210mm

Weight: while driving 1050g (at 6 cells) def format

Drive: Direct

Suspension type: F/Indipendent R/Solid axle

Castor: F-Variable

Chassis: Black FRP

Motor: 540 (sold separately)

Bearing: Full ball bearing

Motor Mount: R/L machined duralumin / rigid plastic

Tire: F-Rubber/R-Rubber

Tamiya M06 First Pic!

I was going to write about something else but then I saw this and decided to be the first to bring you an actual pic. I have to guess that they are still sticking with a December release for the M06-PRO.

Tamiya is proud to announce the release of the M-06 PRO Chassis. This RR (Rear Motor, Rear Wheel Drive) chassis is a completely new design and features a bathtub chassis with a low center of gravity and optimum balance. The M-06 PRO chassis has excellent rear end stability and overall controllability and is a vast improvement over the previous generation M-04.

Comes fully loaded with Option Parts

• Item 54179 M-05 Ball Bearing Set
• Item 53642 5mm Alu. Ball Connector (Blue)
• Item 42168 Touring Car Short Spring Set (Black)
• Item 54000 Hi-Torque Servo Saver (Black)
• Item 54121 Alu. Horn for Hi-Torque Servo Saver
• Item 54195 M-05 Alu. Turnbuckle Steering Rod
• Item 54193 M-05 Alu. Steering Post
• Item 54192 M-05 Alu. Steering Link
• Item 50746 CVA Super Mini Shock Unit Set (Clear)
• Item 53539 5.5mm Alu. Spacer Set
• Item 53456 TA04 Turnbuckle Upper Arm Set
• Item 53159 4mm Anodized Flange Lock Nuts (Blue)

Specs & Features

• 1/10 R/C assembly model kit.Three adjustable Wheelbase Lengths (210mm/225mm/239mm).
• The battery is longitudinally placed for optimum chassis balance.
• The M-06 comes equipped with the same gear ratios as the M-05.
• 8-spoke white wheels and 60D tires included.

Compatible with a variety of Body Parts Sets for M-Chassis machines such as:

• 51402 1/10 Scale R/C Honda S800 Racing Body Parts Set
• 51420 1/10 Scale R/C Alpine A110 Body Parts Set

I Need To Finish Another Car Soon...

My TA02 is nearly finished, I changed bodies again and ordered some parts. I need to get some headlight buckets for the new body and maybe a diffuser. The TA04R needs some touchup paint for the body and the rest of the electronics (esc is on it). The M02 needs me to stop being lazy and finish the decals and transfer the gyro from the viper (it doesn't really need it). I have like seven more projects in the wings waiting to be started/finished. I keep playing with and taking pictures of the viper though. Its just so darned neat. Anyways here's the latest pics:

I scouted the Camden Waterfront the other day. That was necessary because I barely woke up before dawn. I had to rush to get down there before the sun came up. I was a little later than I wanted. That turned out to be ok since it looks like I'll need additional lighting to get the shots I want. As before click to embiggin.

ABC Hobby also makes sweet minis

Ok yesterday was a cop out. I was feeling lazy and couldn't find the product I wanted to write about. Today however, I have it. The goose chassis by ABC Hobby. This thing is also a mini with a rear motor and rwd. I have to assume that makes the car more stable as the M02 and M04 were notorious for spinning out. Lets see. most 2wd buggies are rear motor. The old school Kyosho Raider wasn't and I had mine out last week. It spun alot. I don't remember it being so spin happy but I was running a hotter pack than normal. What am I saying? I think we're going to see more motors hanging off the back of rwd on road cars (like companies are really going to make RWD on-road cars).

The Goose is supposed to be a low cost chassis. I'm looking for a distributor in North America that doesn't rape you for wanting foreign stuff. so we'll see how it turns out. The Genetics are a little under $200 which I wouldn't mind except for the fact that its pre-built. I hate cars I can't build. They do have a low cost kit on their site but for the life of me I can't find someone selling it on this continent.

• 4WD shaft drive
• ball diff
• 295mm Length
• Width: 157mm-163mm
• Wheelbase: 208mm
• Universal Joints
• This product is not assembled.
• wheels not included.

Genetic Economy Chassis No.: 23 997 Price 11,000 yen $123.48 USD

I hope it at least comes in a box.

Complete the first category and "RR-driven" adopted has condensed the essence of the ideal Riahoirudoraibu required. RR that thrilling performance and cornering traction but for the overwhelming, the joy of flying goose "to drive" fan can truly experience the RC car!

Price 16,170 yen $188.51 USD

I think I'll wait for the Tamiya. I'm cheap. And poor.